South Africa's Immigration Shame
By JAMES KIRCHICKMay 28, 2008;
Viewing the horrific images out of Johannesburg last week, one could be forgiven for mistaking them for the harrowing photographs that graced newspaper front pages in the 1980s. Those were the years of "Total Onslaught," when the African National Congress (ANC) encouraged residents of black townships to fight white rule. Blacks suspected of collaborating with the apartheid regime were rounded up, tried before sham "people's courts," and murdered by mobs.
The bloodshed last week was not aimed at the South African government or its suspected collaborators. Instead, it was directed at the country's most powerless and vulnerable hordes: undocumented refugees.
Thugs wielding machetes, axes and hammers prowled the streets, asking potential foreigners questions to determine their language and dialect. Homes and shops were looted. Women were raped. Even the horrific, apartheid-era practice of "necklacing" – in which ANC sympathizers placed tires doused in gasoline around the necks of suspected collaborators and set them aflame – returned.
Over 40 people have been killed and thousands have been forced out of their homes. Unlike apartheid-era unrest, when blacks were safely isolated in townships far removed from economic hubs, last week's turbulence spread to Johannesburg's central business district. The violence seriously undermines the government's claim that it is capable of hosting the World Cup in 2010.
South Africa, the most developed country on the continent, has attracted a wave of economic and political refugees since the fall of apartheid in 1994. Most of them (as many as three million) hail from neighboring Zimbabwe. Since the initiation of President Robert Mugabe's seizure of white-owned farms in 2000, this country has been marked by deepening political repression, outrageously high inflation and widespread hunger.
Thousands of Zimbabweans cross South Africa's northern border on a weekly basis, and that's on the increase since the Zimbabwean regime's violent response to losing presidential and parliamentary elections held on March 29. With South Africa's official unemployment rate at 22% (in reality, possibly as high as 40%), aggression against foreigners accused of taking precious jobs was only a matter of time.
Ultimately the individuals who perpetrate acts of violence must be held responsible. Yet it's important to remember that the influx of poor Zimbabweans would never have become a phenomenon had Mr. Mugabe not driven his country into the ground. His terror has been aided and abetted by South African President Thabo Mbeki, whose government has certified a series of stolen elections, hesitates to criticize Mugabe's human-rights violations, and blocks international involvement in Zimbabwe's ever-deepening crisis.
Two years ago, an economist in Johannesburg told me that Zimbabwe was "South Africa's Mexico," and that the massive number of immigrants flooding into his country should be viewed as a positive economic benefit. This comparison is specious.
Zimbabweans fleeing to South Africa do not intend to make a future there, as Mexican immigrants crossing the Rio Grande hope to do in the U.S. They come to South Africa because they cannot survive in Zimbabwe, a country where the life expectancy is in the mid-30s. If the government doesn't kill you, AIDS or starvation will.
Furthermore, the U.S. would not allow Mexico to degenerate into the massive political and economic hellhole that Zimbabwe has become. At the very least, we would impose sanctions. But more likely, Washington would support antigovernment contras or initiate regime change, as it did in Central America during the Cold War.
For years, those who defended Mr. Mbeki's approach did so on the grounds that the situation in Zimbabwe did not affect regional stability. They claimed that Zimbabwe's turmoil was something that its own government and opposition should resolve, without the pressure of outside intervention.
The disastrous effects of that hands-off policy are now clear.
The most disgraceful aspect of this whole situation is the fact that many of the ANC's head honchos spent the apartheid years exiled in African countries. Fleeing certain imprisonment in their native land, they found gracious hosts elsewhere – including Zimbabwe.
Mr. Kirchick is an assistant editor of the New Republic.
SA needs to learn from crisis in other part of AFrica, and stop all this mess. I mean, when are we going to grow up!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother prime example of how us humans are drastically harming our environment is by
ReplyDeleteopenly burning items that should not be burned. According
to the university the oat hulls cost half as much as coal
and produce 7,000 Btu per pound compared to 11,000 Btu per
pound for coal. 50 can be achieved from selling algal byproducts such as animal feed,
fertilizer materials, or other high-value products on the near-term [4].
but we love that Tink '08 is a great green inspiration for the little pixie in all of us.
Here is my web page - Biomass use in Us
We can still eat our favorite foods but you have to substitute
ReplyDeletefoods and prepare them differently. Paleo Breakfast ' Paleo Lunch ' Paleo Dinner- Paleo Snacks ' Paleo Desserts. We throw out processed, salty and sweet cuisine fundamentally, mainly because they contain totally no nutritive values anyway, and may possibly even result in health problems over due course in time. Some studies suggest 4-5 servings per day may help lower blood pressure.
my page: mektuparkadasim.com
Also take into account the type of ring you are looking for.
ReplyDeleteThe changing trends in jewelry are also true with
the kinds of materials used to make the different kinds of jewelry.
Celtic bands are popular for both men and women and not only sell
for wedding bands but also couple rings, promise rings and anniversary bands.
my homepage promise rings blue sapphire
Promise rings are very powerful symbols of respect, love,
ReplyDeleteand friendship. Possibly it's a silver band which has a easy twisted design, or even a restrained series of ridges. The young people today are ultra-bright but also very materialistic and just for small joys they're willing to pay cash.
My website: Promise rings 4.5 - www.blackoro.com -
Tungsten rings can be worn as a wedding band, couple rings, promise ring or fashion ring.
ReplyDeleteApart from precious metal, you'll be able to also select platinum which is often a tiny lighter around the weight facet. You do not need to settle for "almost great enough.
My webpage site
Evidently, the divorce ring has been around for awhile.
ReplyDeleteSources: Amanda Greene, "With this ring, I thee shed. Whenever you get inside the diamond shop and try to buy 1, but don't know what the various amongst this a person and that one.
my weblog ... site
I'm form of hoping menopause brings back clear skin, before I have lots of wrinkles it to be appreciated. Some make your vision tear, hair dry out and your breathing stop (that's, prior to the hairspray clouds settle).
ReplyDeleteWe started the initial EFT session having a round of "this constricted breathing" to calm her, and I recommended it as
being a complementary strategy for her asthma.
) Wash the face and shower soon after exercise of any sort.
Feel free to visit my web site ... acne scarring treatment
As soon as I started washing my face with cool water, my acne went away.
ReplyDeleteHowever being emotionally upset can trigger the release
of stress hormones which signal your body's preparation for confrontation or the removal through the situation. The relationship between acne occurrence and diet may be established by many researchers. After giving that person a break from harsh products and sticking to just gentle cleanser and moisturizer, you might see a reduction in your acne.
My weblog :: acne scarring treatment :: ::
Bear in mind these simple pointers when you're choosing your promise rings and you'll have a symbol of
ReplyDeleteyour relationship to wear and enjoy. Celtic tungsten bands: Celtic tungsten carbide bands
are the classic carbide ring styling with a meaningful
twist. A pre-wedding ring –engagement ring is given usually to commit acceptance of eternal marital relationship.
Feel free to visit my blog post - promise rings size 10
Designs array from designs that can serve as both equally
ReplyDeletediamond engagement rings and pre-engagement diamond promise rings as well as distinctive ring designs.
These rings say, "You are not a convenience, or property, you are my intended. And this is what is being done by using Promise Rings.
My homepage web page
Rub raw garlic several times a day for the acne prone aspects of your face.
ReplyDeleteNeutrogena includes a wonderful alcohol free toner or you can
verify if the skin care line has an alcohol free product.
Most products begin to work inside a week and take weeks to
exhibit noticeable effect. acne free in three days
secrets - Listed here are the ways of Acne Free in 3 Days.
Here is my site: acne treatment reviews ()
Understanding that starting and stopping contraceptive can change acne patterns.
ReplyDeletePrescription treatments may treat the bacteria itself, though a variety of
unwanted side effects. When you might be out inside hot sun, you usually perspire a lot.
I have a tendency to rest my chin on my palm when I'm at work.
Feel free to surf to my weblog; facial for acne (modmylifestyle.com)
The ACTH stim test measures how much cortisol inside blood.
ReplyDeleteHoney - Washing your face with honey or utilizing a honey mask every day are able to keep
uncontrollable acne from exploding. As a consequence so what you need to take care of is definitely scrub
personal get usually including things like home made facial foundation
scrubs. Ayurveda or ayurvedic treatment is considered to be the oldest
way of medicine that extends back to almost 5000 years from now.
Feel free to surf to my page - acne 80 10 10 -
-
In conclusion, a saunasuit is a great, and cheap, replacement for buying or having a conventional sauna.
ReplyDeleteThe companies that market and sell these pills understand the interchangeable
connection and are relying on that ugly combination of factors to develop you
into a life long customer. Although there are quite a few exercises available that require no equipment, most of these require at least basic equipment.
With this goal achieved, Stacker 4 proceeds to increase metabolism, a major player in fat reduction.
Look into my webpage: Best Fat Burning Foods
Purchasing a promise ring is easy in case you know what you are searching for.
ReplyDeleteFrom this time onwards, the claddagh ring began to build
its international profile. It seems to me Apple is just looking out for their own public image.
My blog :: webpage
Once the intent is commitment and ultimately,
ReplyDeletemarriage, the ring is worn on the left hand.
They are usually given with the intent of changing into engaged at some purpose within the future.
The campaign was rolled out in 1950; within a few years, diamond jewelers could barely keep up with
the demand for diamond rings - including mens diamond
rings.
Also visit my blog - web page :: :
:
I want to share the useful information I have found on free natural prevention and management of acne.
ReplyDeleteOne of the products available inside the market nowadays is
referred to as Bio Oil, the acne scarring solution in your problem.
In addition, sleep gives the body the rest it needs to be able to maintain all the systems of
your body especially the disease fighting capability
that protects our skin. The acidic property of chlorine could inflict damages to sensitive skin, particularly facial skin.
Also visit my blog post acne vulgaris treatment - lnx.icsci.it -
For individuals who have a very minor excess to provide, a diamond ring will go lower effectively having a small woman.
ReplyDeleteA solitaire diamond has, for a extended time, been
related to engagement rings as well as a coming big event.
The assortment of steel options together with rare
metal and sterling silver allow for some selections at incredibly economical charges.
My site Web site
This is a great place to start looking for a ring because you will have questions and a jewelry store may have more answers than a
ReplyDeletedepartment store. The tradition of exchanging rings and them being worn by both
men and women as symbol of marriage came about only toward the
twentieth century. To produce cultured pearls, a skilled
technician, termed a nucleator, induces the pearl-growing
course of action by surgically putting an irritant'a mommy-of-pearl bead along with a piece of mantle tissue, typically'into a mollusk.
Feel free to visit my blog :: web site :: ::
Ahead of you decide on any piercing, take into account the affect on your image as
ReplyDeletewell as your daily life. From this time onwards, the claddagh ring began to build its international profile.
In some cases, a teenager may decide to wear the ring on their own as a symbol of the commitment they're making before God.
My web site - Promise Rings Vs engagement rings (http://www.kiazzakiazza.com/index.php?do=/profile-48025/info/)
The oil in hair sprays and hair gels can rapidly clog pores and build an acne
ReplyDeleteissue. The higher your stress, the harder often you will breakout.
the money I spent on products from creams to lotions, to toners and astringents.
Exfoliating clears pores leaving the surface of skin feeling smooth and healthy.
my website: acne is a disorder associated with (v41.net)
However, the intent remains the same no matter what you call them, and are usually exchanged between young
ReplyDeletepeople as a promise they'll remain friends forever. Even so, select cautiously in accordance with preference and spending budget. Purity rings make up a large component of Christian jewelry, and are very popular amongst young social conservatives.
Also visit my page: website